Cane Adapter for Firearm with Integral Holster

ABSTRACT

The disclosed device is a barrel and chamber blocking shaft or rod that acts as an extension of a pistol. The extension provides the additional function of forming a cane, the pistol becoming the handle of the cane, which the user can use as a walking aid. When used in accordance with design claimed herein, the cane allows for ease of use in that no hip holster is required and the rod or shaft can be removed with the use of only one hand.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/355,125 titled Cane Adapter for Firearm.

FIELD

This invention relates to the field of firearms accessories and safety,particularly to an adapter that allows a user to convert a firearm intoa cane, thereby prohibiting a pistol from discharging ammunition whilethe adapter is installed.

BACKGROUND

Firearms are an important aspect of personal protection from criminalsand the violence criminals use in affecting their criminal behavior.This is especially true for persons who are elderly and/or physicallychallenged in the lower extremities. For persons requiring the use of acane to assist in walking, it can be difficult to carry a pistol in aholster since the weight and location of a pistol so holsteredinterferes with the person's limited mobility. Moreover, a personrequiring the use of a cane to walk lacks the ability to use both handsto simultaneously un-holster, load and/or cock the pistol beforedischarge. Finally, there is a need for a safety mechanism that willensure a person requiring the use of a cane to walk that the pistol isincapable of discharging while the cane is in use aiding walking. Whatis needed is a system that will simultaneously provide an elderly personor physically challenged person of the legs to carry a pistol safely,conveniently, discretely for personal protection from the acts ofcriminals.

SUMMARY

The invention disclosed and claimed herein is metal or hard plastic rodspecifically designed to fit into and through the barrel and terminatingin the chamber of the pistol thereby preventing accidental discharge.The device acts like a cane while inserted into the barrel and chamberof the pistol because it simultaneously acts as an extension of afirearm and a cane to assist walking. The rod constituting the extensionthereby forming a cane is easily removed by simply pulling the rod outof the pistol's barrel. Thus, the user is relieved from theinconvenience of un-holstering the pistol since the pistol is already inthe firing hand of the user. Once removed from the barrel, the rod iseasily discarded, the pistol cocked or loaded depending on whether thepistol is a revolver or semi-automatic, and the pistol is available forself-defense.

The device is comprised of a shaft with two diameters. The uppersection, or insertion section, slides into the barrel of the firearm andseats in the chamber, acting as a chamber or breach plug. The uppersection is further designed to specifically pass safely through thebarrel without damaging the bore or rifling and substantially fills anempty chamber thereby precluding the chamber from accepting a bullet orcartridge. By filling the chamber the device maintains the firearm in asafe position. This safe position is impossible to defeat because if thepistol camber or breach is loaded with bullet or cartridge the rod willnot seat in the chamber, thereby immediately notifying the user that thepistol is in firing position.

Rendering the firearm safe is accomplished by preventing a round frombeing loaded in the case of the firearm being a semi-automatic, orpreventing the cylinder from rotating, if the firearm is a revolver.

The preferred diameter of the upper section that seats in the chamber isslightly smaller than the inner diameter of the barrel so as not tocause damage but fit snuggly in the chamber. The snug fit allowsfriction to hold the rod in place so as not to fall out accidentally.Optionally, included within the upper section is a circumferentialchannel into which an o-ring is installed. The o-ring acts to createadditional friction fit, or interference fit, with the inner surface ofthe barrel.

The length of the upper section is slightly less than that of thecombined length of barrel and chamber, thus allowing the barrel of thefirearm to support the load of the user rather than the load beingapplied to the firing pin or hammer. The result is a gap between the tipof the upper section and the firing pin or hammer, or any othermechanism associated with the internals of the firearm such as springsor the bolt.

Moving down the device, between the upper section and the lower sectionis a load bearing face. The load bearing face is the surface againstwhich the muzzle rests. The load applied by the user to the handle ofthe firearm, which is acting as the handle of the cane formed thereby,is transferred through the frame of the firearm, to the barrel, andultimately the muzzle. Each of these firearm parts is robust, and thusthe application of the user's weight is unable to cause damage.

In the primary embodiment, the lower section, or supporting section, isa larger diameter than the upper section. But in alternative embodimentsthe diameters are equal, or the lower section has a lesser diameter. Insuch alternative embodiments, the load-bearing face takes the form of aring or band that surrounds the device, bearing against the muzzle ofthe firearm.

In some embodiments, the device includes an integral holster portion.The tip of a holster is affixed to the lower section such that the bodyof the holster will extend away from the lower section creating theholster cavity around the insertion section. The result is that when thefirearm is mated with the device, the barrel of the firearm will rest inthe holster.

Alternately, the holster is co-molded with the lower section and/orupper section. Such a method of manufacturing prevents the creation ofweak points that would result from affixing separate pieces of materialtogether.

Optionally, the holster portion will have various dimensions dependingupon the style, make, or model of firearm.

Different firearms may require uppers sections of different lengths ordiameters. Thus, the upper section is optionally removable from thelower section. In such an embodiment the user may have multiple uppersections, each for use with different firearms. The upper section thenincludes a male threaded extension that interfaces with a femalethreaded pocket.

The male threaded extension is preferably constructed from a materialthat is softer than the fire arm components. For example, bronze, or abronze/magnesium alloy.

In embodiments with a removable upper section, the holster may beintegral to the removable upper section. This allows the holster to becustomized along with the different lengths and diameters required for aparticular firearm barrel and muzzle.

Alternatively, the holster portion can be integral to the lower section.

Finally, the holster may be a separate piece that is removable andinterchangeable independently of the upper section.

The upper section is preferably constructed from a light material, suchas 6061 aluminum.

At the base of the lower section is a cane tip. The cane tip acts totransfer the load from the lower section to the ground. The cane tip ismade of a flexible or semi-flexible material, such as a rubber, plastic,or other suitable polymer. Preferably, the cane tip is made of amaterial softer than the lower section. Such preferred materials includeplastic and rubber.

An optional feature incorporated into the cane tip is a steppingsurface. The stepping surface allows the user to place a foot on thecane tip, holding the device down and thereby allowing the user to pullthe firearm away from the upper section, thus readying the firearm foruse.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention can be best understood by those having ordinary skill inthe art by reference to the following detailed description whenconsidered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a view of a first embodiment with the deviceinstalled.

FIG. 2 illustrates a view of a second embodiment with the deviceinstalled.

FIG. 3 illustrates a view of a second embodiment with the deviceinstalled on the firearm with the holster portion dashed out.

FIG. 4 illustrates a view of the first embodiment with the deviceremoved from the firearm.

FIG. 5 illustrates a view of the second embodiment of the device removedfrom the firearm.

FIG. 6 illustrates a close-up view of the upper section of the firstembodiment.

FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a firearm.

FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a firearm with the deviceinstalled.

FIG. 9 illustrates a view of a cane tip with optional stepping surface.

FIG. 10 illustrates a view of the first embodiment of the device in use.

FIG. 11 illustrates a view of a second embodiment of the device in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferredembodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings. Throughout the following detailed description,the same reference numerals refer to the same elements in all figures.

Referring to FIG. 1, a view of a first embodiment with the deviceinstalled in the firearm is shown.

The cane adapter for firearm 1 is shown inserted into a firearm 30. Thesupporting section 16 is shown with cane tip 18. The upper end ofsupporting section 16 connects to the insertion section 12 (inside thebarrel) and the insertion section 12 has a smaller diameter, thusforming the load-bearing face 14 (not shown) that rests against themuzzle 34 of the barrel 32.

The grip 38 of the firearm 30 is where the user applies a load.

As shown in FIG. 1, the length of the supporting section 16 is multipletimes the length of the firearm 30. For example, in FIG. 1 thesupporting section 16 is approximately 150% of the length of the firearm30, or 1.5 times its length.

The preferred length of the supporting section 16 will depend on theheight of the user and the length of the firearm 30. Taller users, andshorter firearms 30, will require longer supporting sections. As with atraditional cane, the length must be accustomed to the height of theuser for proper fit.

Referring to FIG. 2, a view of a second embodiment with the deviceinstalled in the firearm is shown.

The second embodiment of the device includes a holster portion 11. Theholster portion 11 extends outward from the supporting section 16 towardthe grip 38 of the firearm 30. The holster portion 11 increases thestability to the firearm 30 with respect to the insertion portion 12.

Optionally, the holster portion 11 may extend past a trigger 31 of afirearm 30 to protect a user from accidentally squeezing the trigger 31.

Referring to FIG. 3, a view of the second embodiment of the device isshown with the holster portion dashed out.

The firearm 30 is shown fully engaged with the insertion portion 12.With the muzzle 34 against the load-bearing face 14, the barrel 32 issecured within an internal cavity 13 of the holster portion 11.

Referring to FIG. 4, a view of the first embodiment with the deviceremoved from the firearm is shown. The insertion section 12 is shownseparated from the supporting section 16 by a load-bearing face 14.

Within the insertion section 12 is the optional groove 20 and o-ring 22.

Firearm 30 is also shown, with barrel 32, muzzle 34, cylinder 40, andgrip 38.

Referring to FIG. 5, a view of the second embodiment removed from thefirearm is shown. The holster portion 11 is shown connected to thesupport section 16 at the load-bearing face 14. And the insertionsection 12 extends outward from the load-bearing face 14 through aninternal cavity 13 of the holster portion 11.

Referring to FIG. 6, a close-up view of the upper section of the firstembodiment is shown. The load-bearing face 14 is more easily seen inthis figure. As discussed above, the load-bearing face 14 need not beformed by an increase in diameter, but in alternative embodiments is aring or ledge against which the muzzle may rest.

The cane adapter for firearm 1 is shown with a circular cross-section.But other cross-sections are equally useful, such as square,rectangular, triangular, hexagonal, and so forth. Moreover, the crosssection may be ornamented according to the personal taste of the user.

The cross-section may be solid or hollow.

Groove 20 with inserted o-ring 22 is also shown.

Referring to FIG. 7, a cross-sectional view of a firearm is shown. Thebarrel 32 and chamber 36 are shown, which the cane adapter for firearm 1will fill when inserted into the firearm 30.

Referring to FIG. 8, a cross-sectional view of a firearm with the deviceinstalled is shown. The insertion section 12 fills the barrel 32, andsubstantially fills the chamber 36. As a result of the insertion section12 the firearm 30 is safe, with no round loaded into the chamber 36, andthe user unable to load a round until the cane adapter for firearm 1 isremoved.

Note that the insertion section 12 does not rest against the rear wallof the chamber 36. The rear wall of the chamber, and the associatedfiring mechanism, are not intended to be weight bearing.

Rather, a gap 37 is maintained beyond the end of the insertion section12.

The cylinder 40 cannot rotate a new round into place with the caneadapter for firearm 1 blocking rotating.

Referring to FIG. 9, a view of a cane tip with optional stepping surfaceis shown.

The end of supporting section 16 is terminated using a cane tip 18 thatcontacts the ground during use. The cane tip 18 optionally includes astepping surface 26. The stepping surface 26 provides a stable locationfor a user to place his foot, holding down the cane adapter for firearm1, allowing the firearm 30 to be pulled up and away from the device.

Referring to FIG. 10, a view of the first embodiment of the device inuse is shown.

The user's hand is wrapped around the grip 38 of the firearm, applying aload to stabilize the user and aid in walking.

Referring to FIG. 11, a view of the second embodiment of the device inuse is shown.

The user's hand is wrapped around the grip 38 of the firearm, applying aload to stabilize the user and aid in walking. The holster portion 11extends outward from the load-bearing face 14 toward the user's hand.Optionally, the holster portion 11 may be long enough to block theuser's hand from contacting the trigger 31.

Equivalent elements can be substituted for the ones set forth above suchthat they perform in substantially the same manner in substantially thesame way for achieving substantially the same result.

It is believed that the system and method as described and many of itsattendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description. Itis also believed that it will be apparent that various changes may bemade in the form, construction and arrangement of the components thereofwithout departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or withoutsacrificing all of its material advantages. The form herein beforedescribed being merely exemplary and explanatory embodiment thereof. Itis the intention of the following claims to encompass and include suchchanges.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device to render a firearm safe, while allowingthe firearm to serve as a handle for a walking cane for a user, thefirearm including a barrel, a muzzle, and a chamber, the firearm havinga length, the device comprising: a slideably removeable insertionsection; the slidably removeable insertion section adapted to slidewithin the barrel and the chamber of the firearm; the slidablyremoveable insertion section sized to block both the barrel and thechamber of the firearm; a supporting section; the supporting sectionadapted to extend beyond the firearm by a supporting length equal to orgreater than the length of the firearm; the slidably removeableinsertion section and the supporting section joined at a load-bearingface; the load-bearing face adapted to rest against the muzzle of thefirearm; a holster portion, the holster portion having an opening and atip; the tip connected to the load-bearing face and the openingextending toward the slidably removable insertion section; the holsterportion adapted to partially surround the firearm, thereby stabilizingthe firearm; a cane tip; the cane tip affixed to the supporting sectionopposite the load-bearing face; a groove placed along the slidablyremoveable insertion section; and an o-ring within the groove; wherebyfriction of the o-ring against the barrel prevents the device fromsliding out of the firearm during use; and wherein the slidablyremovable insertion section is entirely removable through the muzzle. 2.The device of claim 1, wherein the cane tip further comprises a steppingsurface; the stepping surface being a substantially flat surface adaptedto allow the user to place a foot on the stepping surface to hold thedevice in place while the firearm is removed.
 3. The device of claim 1,further comprising: a groove placed along the slidably removeableinsertion section; and an o-ring within the groove; whereby friction ofthe o-ring against the barrel prevents the device from sliding out ofthe firearm during use.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the slidablyremovable insertion section and the supporting section are joined at athreaded connection, allowing the slidably removeably insertion sectionand the supporting section to be detached from each other.
 5. A deviceto allow a user to use a firearm as a handle for a cane, the devicecomprising: a support body that removably affixes to the firearm bysliding through a muzzle into a firearm barrel; the support bodyextending a length of the firearm, thereby creating the cane; thesupport body including a support section and an insertion section; anintegral holster, the integral holster extending outward from thesupport section, partially surrounding the insertion section; theinsertion section of the support body blocking at least a portion of achamber of the firearm, thereby preventing the firearm from beingdischarged; wherein the insertion section is removed only and fullythrough the muzzle.
 6. The device of claim 5, further comprising: agroove placed around the insertion section; and an o-ring within thegroove; whereby friction created by the o-ring against the firearmbarrel prevents the device from inadvertently sliding out of the firearmduring use.
 7. The device of claim 5, further comprising: a cane tip;the cane tip at a lower end of the support body; the cane tip of amaterial softer than a material of the support body.
 8. The device ofclaim 7, wherein the cane tip further comprises a stepping surface; thestepping surface being a substantially flat surface adapted to allow theuser to place a foot on the stepping surface to hold the device in placewhile the firearm is removed.
 9. The device of claim 5, wherein theinsertion section and the support body are joined at a threadedconnection, allowing the insertion section and support body to bedetached from each other.
 10. A device to adapt a firearm for use as awalking cane, the device comprising: an elongate body, the elongate bodyincluding a support section, an insertion section, the support sectionbeing larger in diameter than the insertion section creating aload-bearing face on the support section adjacent to the insertionsection, and whereby the insertion section is slidably removablyinserted into a barrel of the firearm; and an integral holster, theintegral holster affixed to the load-bearing face and encompassing theinsertion section so that when the elongate body is joined to thefirearm, the barrel of the firearm rests within the integral holster.11. The device of claim 10, further comprising: a groove located on theinsertion section; and an o-ring within the groove; whereby frictionbetween the o-ring and the barrel prevents the device from sliding outduring use.
 12. The device of claim 10, further comprising: a cane tip;the cane tip located on an opposite end of the elongate body from theinsertion section; the cane tip of a semi-flexible material.
 13. Thedevice of claim 12, wherein the cane tip further comprises: a lip, thelip adapted to allow a user to step on and secure the elongate bodywhile the firearm is separated from the insertion section.